The reemergence of Pau Gasol on the stat sheet and in the LA Lakers’ rotation nearly two weeks ago meant a diminished role for Antawn Jamison, who filled in when Gasol struggled with knee and confidence issues.

After sitting for the fifth straight game via the DNP-Coach’s Decision, Jamison is frustrated with his lack of playing time and confused by the drastic change in his minutes.

Antawn Jamison is unhappy with a drastic change in his minutes. The veteran forward hasn't played a single minute in the last five games. (AP Photo)

“Fifteen years,” the veteran forward said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “My only thing is let me know why. I don’t think you go from starting and 30-something minutes to not in the rotation whatsoever. And not explaining to me what exactly happened, that’s the toughest thing. There’s nothing you can do but be positive and support your teammates. The only reason I came here was they said I was going to play and to win a championship.”

Before this recent string of games spent on the bench, Jamison averaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in just 20.0 minutes per game, with five starts in 25 games to his credit. His most impressive game came in a 33-point performance against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 30, which was followed by an average of 12.3 points over the next four games.

Jamison played big minutes as the Lakers lost six of seven games to start December. But Jamison’s minutes started to trail off as the month progressed. In the last two games in which Jamison logged minutes—both wins—the veteran went scoreless against the Wizards on Dec. 14 and 76ers on Dec. 16.

The end of this month marked the return of Gasol and Steve Nash, who simultaneously improved the Lakers’ fortunes and cut into Jamison’s time on the court. With a 104-87 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, the Lakers have won six of their last seven games.

Before the victory over Portland, Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said Jamison would “probably” be back in the regular rotation.

“Everybody gets another chance and stuff,” D’Antoni said, according to the LA Times. “We’re playing nine guys and I’m really liking Metta (World Peace). We don’t want to lose Antawn because he does what he does. We’ll see. Antawn’s ready to roll if we need him.”

Jamison, who has career averages of 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds, put up 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 65 starts for the Cleveland Cavaliers just last season. Jamison sacrificed more lucrative opportunities when he signed a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum of $1.4 million with intentions of playing a major role in the Lakers’ next title run.

“There’s a competitor in me that wants to compete and I know I can help the team,” Jamison said. “Whenever I get answers, I guess I’ll feel more better about the situation, but nothing has been told to me why nothing has happened or that I did anything wrong.

“DNPs for the first time in my career. I have not had a conversation with (D’Antoni) about anything about the situation.”